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How Does Enterprise Resource Planning Software Work in DME?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software works across many functions of the business. For example, inventory. Purchase orders to vendors are created and sent electronically. As products come in, they are entered into the ERP so that all products are accounted for in real-time, and with their actual costs. Bar code systems keep the inventory up to date, so that products can be ordered on a just-in-time basis.

Also, constant analysis of the actual cost of the product (COGS – cost of goods sold) vs. the income generated makes pricing of products much more efficient and real profit/loss can be determined on individual product lines. Customer service reps always know exactly what is in stock for customers, and if a product is available at a different store, they can give the customer the option of going to that store or having the item shipped to them.

ERP can bring the inventory into each individual delivery truck, enabling the truck drivers to track inventory and always have items on hand. In this way, ERP turns trucks into mobile warehouses, and drivers become responsible for their own inventory. A second trip to deliver to a patient costs on average of $70. With an ERP system integrated to curbside, proper patient sizing, inoperative equipment, and compliance documents are complete and accurate.

With the ERP system, the driver begins the day by stocking the truck with all items that may be needed on the day’s delivery route, as well as the automatically generated printed documentation for each delivery. Then the ERP plans an optimized delivery route for them.

Once they arrive curbside, they can have multiple sizes and items available so that the driver can test equipment for size and operability. Once the item is assigned to the customer based on bar code, the ERP provides the driver with automatically generated compliance documents on a handheld device. As they review each document provided to the customer, they check off the items on their device and obtain customer signature.

Meanwhile, inventory levels are immediately updated based on the bar code, and the billing team receives the documentation and can send the claim even as the driver is still on the road. This entire process typically eliminates the need for second trips for the same order, representing significant cost savings since each trip costs an average of $70.

When a customer service representative enters a customer’s information, all of the critical elements are maintained within the ERP system. Once a customer profile is set up, all documentation is attached to that customer, drastically increasing the efficiency of the billing operation.

Because the ERP is synced up with the billing and insurance information, customer service reps can tell customers whether items are eligible for reimbursement and the expected rate of reimbursement in real-time.

They can also tell customers if they have pending payments due, speeding the payment process. Patient responsibility can be identified and a credit card placed on file to file automatically collect the money when the claim is adjudicated. If the patient cannot pay that amount on a single charge then a payment plan can be established at intake.

The billing team can instantly access billing records, reimbursement rates, and documentation for any individual claim. This allows them to immediately remedy problems before submitting for reimbursement. The integration of the ERP means that the billing team has a much higher rate of accuracy when submitting claims, because the system will tell them when a claim is incomplete, virtually eliminating denials based on incomplete claims.